Compression garment

ABSTRACT

A garment ( 1 ) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering ( 10 ) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps ( 22, 24 ), front and back panels of compression fabric ( 12, 14, 16, 18 ), a non-rolling rib band ( 72 ), axilla gussets ( 82, 84 ), and both front closure ( 40 ) and back closure( 50 ). The garment may also include one or more princess seams ( 102, 104, 102′, 104′ ) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user&#39;s breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves ( 132, 134 ) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect. Through the use of the present invention, a user can provide the proper amount of compressive support that is required for each area of the torso. To wit, the user can set the adjustable closure to a desired tightness and provide up to four different levels of support over the torso region.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the fields of compressiongarments and brassieres. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to a garment for providing compressive forces to a human femaletorso so as to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by anaccumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The lymphatic system is a part of the human body's circulatory system.Through a complex network of lymph nodes and vessels, it transports andremoves lymph fluid, which is a clear, high protein fluid, from thespaces between cells of the body. More specifically, the lymphaticsystem acts as a waste removal system for the body, removing metabolicwastes from the body's cells and then transporting that waste to thelymph nodes for filtering and detoxification. The “clean” lymph fluid isthen returned to the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system, however, also serves as a conduit for cancerouscells to flow from a primary tumor to other sites. Consequently, lymphnode biopsy is commonly used as a diagnostic procedure to determine thestatus of the cancer and to check to see if it has spread. Moreover,should the patient require surgery to remove cancerous sites, a surgeonmay also have to remove lymph nodes and vessels from the affected area,such as the axilla (arm pit) and breast area in the case of breastcancer.

The removal of nodes and vessels in the affected area can compromise thelocal integrity of the lymphatic system, thereby adversely impactinglymphatic drainage. Radiation therapy can also damage or destroylymphatic components, thereby further contributing to lymphaticcompromise. The natural aging process may also contribute to lymphaticbreakdown.

Impairment of the lymphatic system can radically reduce its capacity totransport, filter, and detoxify lymph fluid. It can also change the waythat lymph fluid flows in that quadrant of the human body. Over time,sometimes years later, the lymph system can fail and fluid can back up,thereby causing swelling in a localized area. Greater fluid retention inthe tissue also increases the risk that the patient will develop aninfection, as one of the functions of the lymphatic system is to carryaway and filter any bacteria that may be present in the lymph fluid.

Chronic swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid in an area ofthe body is called lymphedema, a condition that is common amongpost-mastectomy patients and other cancer survivors who have had lymphnodes or vessels removed, or who have undergone radiation therapy.Lymphedema typically occurs in a limb (such as an arm), but it can alsooccur in the torso region, especially among breast cancer survivors. Itmay be characterized by swelling, heaviness, pain, pitting, tightness,or hardness of the tissues.

There are three stages of lymphedema, ranging from mild lymphedema,where the tissue may present with “pitting” (where the tissue, whenpressed, will indent and hold the indention briefly) that is temporaryand resolves overnight, to severe lymphedema (which is sometimes knownas elephantitis), where the tissue increases in hardness or fibrosis andthe swelling can be disfiguring and does not reverse itself. As withmost medical conditions, it is desirable that lymphedema be diagnosedand treated as soon as possible, so as hopefully to prevent or at leastretard progression of the condition from the mild to severe stages.

Treatment for lymphedema typically focuses on lymphatic drainagetechniques and/or the use of compression garments, although proper skincare, exercise, and, where there is an infection, antibiotic therapy,can also be important components of a treatment plan. With lymphaticdrainage techniques, which include “manual lymphatic drainage” and“simple lymphatic drainage,” the patient or a therapist gently massagesthe connective tissue in specific directions in accordance with thestructure and physiology of the lymphatic system, thereby stimulatingthe weakened system by pushing the stagnant fluid through the vessels.This also allows the venous system to reabsorb the fluid and helpsestablish channels through which lymph fluid can flow.

Compression garments may be used as an adjunct to, or as an alternativefor, lymphatic drainage, depending on the severity of the condition.Compression garments are designed to apply external pressure to anaffected area, thereby helping to maintain the size of that area so thatswelling remains reduced. A compression garment can also improve thepumping of lymphatics and veins as well by creating a firm abutment formuscles to work against. Another benefit of a compression garment isthat it reduces local blood volume in the veins, which in turn resultsin increased velocity in the vein and greater fluid throughput.

The most common types of compression garments are compression stockingsor sleeves, which garments typically have to be expertly fit to thepatient or, in some instances, custom made. Due to the complexitiesinherent in delivering the appropriate amounts of compression to variousregions of the torso, however, few compression garments have beenprovided for use in the torso region, and even fewer exist that do nothave to be custom made.

One such design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,245 to Barbe-Vicunaet al. In this patent, Barbe-Vicuna et al. disclose a compression brathat uses a system of compression pads and cushions to increase pressureat certain desired locations on the torso, thereby purportedlyfacilitating and/or consolidating the benefits of manual lymphaticdrainage. The disclosed garment, however, does not appear to deliver anyoverall compression to the torso beyond that of a typical brassiere.Instead, the Barbe-Vicuna et al. brassiere is limited to providingincreased levels of compression at specific areas (namely, at the sitesof the compression pads).

Another garment that is designed to provide compression to a wearer'sbreasts is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,942 to Miller. In thispatent, Miller discloses a bra that is designed to treat post-partumengorgement, enlargement, and other conditions by delivering anadjustable level of compression, as well as by providing for the properpositioning of warm or cold compresses. The bra is fabricated from twolayers of resilient material to provide compression and envelopment ofthe breasts. The overall design of this bra, however, would not beappropriate for the treatment of lymphedema, nor could it providevarying amounts of compression at different areas of the torso.

Finally, a large number of garments have been provided in the past thatare designed to control breast motion (such as sports bras), provideinvisible support under other garments (such as shelf bras), enhance theappearance of breasts (such as “push-up” bras), or some combinationthereof (such as most “mainstream” bras). Examples of these garments aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,168,498; 4,440,174; and 5,868,601 (amongothers), as well as in the references cited therein. None of thesegarments, however, disclose the garment of the claimed invention.Similarly, the garment disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,086,450 and6,361,397, which supposedly facilitate the drainage of lymphatic fluidfrom the breast area, are far removed from Applicant's design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a garment for providing compressiveforces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by any ofa variety of reasons, including without limitation an accumulation oflymph fluid in the torso region.

One aspect of the invention is a brassiere comprising an outer coveringand a front panel for providing compressive support to breast tissue.The front panel includes compression fabric and has an upper edge, afirst side edge, a second side edge, and a lower edge. The front panelis attached to the outer covering at least at the first and second sideedges. The front panel is moveable relative to said outer covering alonga portion of said lower edge. The brassiere also includes a front shelffor providing upward compressive support to breast tissue. The frontshelf is positioned proximate the lower edge of the front panel.

Another aspect of the present invention is a brassiere to be worn by awoman having axillae and an abdominal watershed, with the brassiereincluding an outer covering made from a compression fabric. The outercovering has a lower edge located about 1-8 cm above the woman'sabdominal watershed when the brassiere is properly positioned on thewoman. The brassiere also includes a pair of axilla gussets, each havingupper edges located about 3.5-5 cm below a corresponding axilla when thebrassiere is properly positioned on the woman.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a brassiere having anouter cover made from a compression fabric having a modulus in thelength dimension ranging from 0.5-1.5 pounds at 40% elongation and1.0-2.0 pounds at 60% elongation, a modulus in the width dimensionranging from 0.2-1.0 pounds at 40% elongation and 0.5-1.6 pounds at 60%elongation, a stretch in the length dimension ranging from 160-220% anda stretch in the width dimension ranging from 120-170%. The brassierealso includes a front portion attached to said outer cover and includinga compression fabric having a modulus in the length dimension rangingfrom 1.0-2.75 pounds at 30% elongation and 2.25-5.75 pounds at 60%elongation, a modulus in the width dimension ranging from 0.8-2.2 poundsat 40% elongation, a stretch in the length dimension ranging from135-200% and a stretch in the width dimension ranging from 115-150%.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a brassiere to be wornby a woman having axillae, torso side regions and a breast region, withthe brassiere including first and second axilla portions, each intendedto be positioned proximate one of the axillae of the woman when thebrassiere is properly worn. The first and second axilla portions providea first level of compressive support. The brassiere also includes sideportions intended to be positioned over the woman's torso side regions.The side portions provide more compressive support than the first levelof compressive support. Also, the brassiere includes a front portionintended to be positioned over the woman's breast region. The frontportion provides more compressive support than the side portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a formof the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the outside of an embodiment of thecompression garment of the present invention, with the garment beinglaid out flat for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the inside of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1as it may look when being worn by a human female;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1as it may look when being worn by a human female;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1as it may look when being worn by a human female; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical person's superficial lymphaticdrainage pathways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a garment for providing compressiveforces to a torso so as to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused byan accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An example of thedisclosed invention as designed for a human female torso is depictedschematically in FIGS. 1-5, although it should be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to this (or any other) particularembodiment, but rather is intended to cover all garments that fairlyfall within the broad scope of the appended claims.

Specifically with reference to FIG. 1, the disclosed compression garment1 is shown laid out flat, with its outer covering 10 facing up. Theouter covering 10 typically is made of a compression fabric, e.g., suchas a LYCRA®-spandex blend and generally extends over the outer surfaceof the entire garment, thereby acting as a sort of unifying “skin” forthe garment itself. The compression fabric used for outer covering 10 isselected so as to have a modulus (pounds of holding power) that isadequate to achieve the desired compression, while at the same timehaving a relatively large stretch. The material used in the constructionof conventional bras is selected to adequately and comfortably supportthe breasts, but does so with little if any compression. As a relatedconsequence, the fabric used in conventional bras has a substantiallylower modulus than that used in the compression fabric for outercovering 10. By selecting a relatively high modulus-high stretchcompression fabric for outer covering 10, garment 1 provides arelatively large amount of compression but does so with a relativelyhigh degree of comfort.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the specific modulus andstretch for the compression fabric used for outer covering 10 isselected based on the specific application for which garment 1 isintended to be used. When garment 1 is intended to be used to controllymphedema, the modulus and the stretch for the compression fabric usedfor outer covering 10 will typically have the attributes listed below inTable 1:

TABLE 1 Tester Stretch performed with Zwick tester at 12 poundseffective load on 3^(rd) cycle Modulus Length (pounds) 40% elongation:0.5-1.5 (typically 0.6-1.2) 60% elongation: 1.0-2.0 (typically 1.2-1.8)Width 40% elongation: 0.2-1.0 (typically 0.2-0.8) 60% elongation:0.5-1.6 (typically 0.6-1.4) Stretch Length 160-220% (typically 170-210%)Width 120-170% (typically 125-165%) Exemplary 72% 40/34 T-285 Dull“Tactel” Nylon and 28% Material 70 T-162B bright LYCRA ® spandex

The length dimension of the compression fabric is oriented in outercovering 10 so that it extends substantially parallel to the length(vertical) dimension of garment 1 when properly worn. The exemplarymaterials in Table 1 are just examples of suitable materials, and othermaterials satisfying the modulus and stretch characteristics listed inTable 1 are encompassed by the present invention. Subject to thedesirability of having a relatively high extent of stretch along with arelatively high modulus, those skilled in the art will recognize that ifgarment 1 is intended for applications other than the control oflymphedema, the compression fabric used as outer cover 10 in the presentinvention may have attributes that vary somewhat from the parameterslisted in Table 1. For aesthetic reasons, it generally is preferablethat outer covering 10 be opaque. Also, the compression fabric used forouter cover 10 preferably has effective moisture managementcharacteristics.

The outer covering 10 may be described as having front portions 12 and14, which preferably can be connected to one another by a front closure40 that permits the garment 1 to be donned or removed easily by a userwith restricted mobility, such as a patient suffering from lymphedema orrecovering from breast cancer surgery. While closure 40 is illustratedas a zipper in FIG. 1, the invention is not so limited. The presentinvention encompasses any closure that achieves the aforementionedfunction, including, without limitation, hook-and-loop closures such asVELCRO® closures, snaps and hook-and-eye closures. Outer covering 10includes back portions 16 and 18, which preferably can be connected toone other by a rear closure 50 that is designed to offer maximumadjustability so as to permit a user to customize the amount ofcompressive forces that garment 1 provides and to adjust forfluctuations in breast size. Rear closure 50 is illustrated in FIG. 1 asa multi-position hook-and-eye fastener. The present invention, however,encompasses other fasteners than hook-and-eye fasteners as rear closure50, including, without limitation, hook-and-loop closures.

Shoulder strap 22 connects front portion 12 and back portion 16 andshoulder strap 24 connects front portion 14 and back portion 18. Theshoulder straps 22 and 24 preferably are adjustable (such as withVELCRO® tabs), and are wider and more padded than regular brassierestraps, thus helping to redistribute breast and prosthesis weight aswell as prevent the straps from digging into a user's shoulders. In thisregard, the width of the shoulder straps 22 and 24 typically is about2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches). Moreover, the design of the shoulder straps 22and 24 is such that it helps minimize the amount of pressure at thewearer's “terminus” (an area halfway between the neck and the shoulder),which is a major lymphatic drainage area of the body.

Garment 1 typically includes side seams 32 and 34 positioned below theshoulder straps 22 and 24, respectively. For ease of reference, one mayregard side seams 32 and 34 as delineating the front portions 12 and 14of the outer covering 10 from the back portions 16 and 18, even thoughthe fabric that comprises the outer covering 10 may be continuous acrossthe side seams 32 and 34, rather than comprising separate pieces offabric that are joined together. At the side seams 32 and 34, the outercovering 10 is typically joined to the inner layer(s) of compressionfabric (discussed infra) and, if the outer covering is not continuousacross the side seams 32 and 34, the front and back portions 12 and 16and 14 and 18 may be joined to one another. In some cases, it may bedesirable to omit the side seams 32 and 34.

Toward the lower edge of the garment 1, the outer covering 10 ispreferably attached to a rib band 70 at lower seams 72 and 74. The ribband 70 typically is covered by the outer covering 10. This can beaccomplished by either including another attachment seam at the loweredge 76, or wrapping a portion of the outer covering 10 around the loweredge 76 of the rib band 70 and attaching that portion of the outercovering 10 to the rib band 70 (and to the outer covering 10) at thelower seams 72 and 74. Preferably, the rib band 70 is made from anelastic material and is wide (such as is shown in FIG. 1), soft, and“non-rolling.” Rib band 70 typically has a width in the range of 2.5-7.5cm (1-3 inches).

In the arm holes defined by the shoulder straps 22 and 24, respectively,axilla gussets (or “underarm gussets”) 82 and 84 are provided,respectively. Axilla gussets 82 and 84 are attached to the outercovering 10 at axilla seams 92 and 94. Each axilla gusset 82 and 84 ispreferably comprised of a layer of low-compression or non-compressionfabric that is breathable and provides for movement of the user's arms,with the fabric typically, but not necessarily, being made from a meshor knit material. The axilla gussets 82 and 84 function so as to improvethe wearability of the garment by preventing areas of flesh fromoverhanging the edges of the garment. Such overhanging flesh is atypical complaint associated with many prior art garments having axillaedges that only extend approximately to the region of the axilla seams92 and 94 of the disclosed design, but no further. Thus, the materialused for axilla gussets 82 and 84 is selected to provide only a limitedamount of compression to the axillae region of the user.

The material used for axilla gussets 82 and 84 is not a “compressionfabric” in the sense this term is used relative to outer covering 10.Suitable modulus and stretch attributes for the material used foraxialla gussets 82 and 84 is listed below in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Tester Stretch and Modulus tests performed with Zwick tester at15 pounds effective load on 5^(th) cycle. Modulus Length (pounds) 60%elongation: 0.3-1.0 (typically 0.4-0.85) 80% elongation: 0.7-1.8(typically 0.8-1.65) Width 40% elongation: 0.65-1.7 (typically0.75-1.55) Stretch Length 150-200% (typically 157-193%) Width 75-115%(typically 85-105%) Exemplary 84.33% 50/34 Semi-Dull Polyester and15.67% 40 T-162B Material bright LYCRA ®

The length dimension of the fabric of Table 2 is oriented in axillagussets 82 and 84 so that it extends substantially parallel to thelength (vertical) dimension of garment 1 when properly worn. Theexemplary materials in Table 2 are just examples of suitable materials,and other materials satisfying the modulus and stretch characteristicslisted in Table 2 are encompassed by the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 2, the inside of the compression garment 1 isshown, with the garment again being laid out flat. As will be describedmore fully, the inside of the compression garment 1, which is the sidethat contacts the user's skin, is generally covered with one or morelayers of a compression fabric that forms liner 100, which containselastic, e.g., spandex fibers. In comparison to the compression fabricused to form the outer covering 10, the compression fabric used forliner 100 is typically lighter weight, and preferably should be soft asit is designed to contact the user's skin. In addition, the compressionfabric for liner 100 generally has a higher modulus than the compressionfabric used for the outer covering 10 and typically has less stretch,thereby avoiding a situation wherein the outer covering 10 stretchesless than that of the inner layer(s), which could inhibit the functionof the inner layer(s). Further, the compression fabric for liner 100generally has good moisture management attributes, and is relativelybreathable. The compression fabric for liner 100 may have a meshconstruction, although non-mesh materials that have the desiredbreathability, softness, and stretch may also be used.

Suitable modulus and stretch attributes for compression fabric used forliner 100 are identified below in Table 3:

TABLE 3 Tester Stretch and modulus test performed with Zwick tester at30 pounds effective load on 3rd cycle. Modulus Length (pounds) 30%elongation: 1.0-2.75 (typically 1.15-2.5) 60% elongation: 2.25-5.75(typically 2.70-5.45) Width 40% elongation: 0.8-2.2 (typically 1.0-2.0)Stretch Length 135-200% (typically 150-183%) Width 115-150% (typically120-145%) Exemplary 72% 40/34 T-285 Semi-Dull “Tactel” Nylon andMaterial 28% 280 T-127 Dull LYCRA ®

The length dimension of the fabric of Table 3 is oriented in liner 100so that it extends substantially parallel to the length (vertical)dimension of garment 1 when properly worn. The exemplary materials inTable 3 are just examples of suitable materials, and other materialssatisfying the modulus and stretch characteristics listed in Table 3 areencompassed by the present invention.

It is generally desirable to join the outer covering 10 to liner 100 atleast along a portion of the top seams 42-45, the shoulder seams 52 and54, and the center seams 62 and 64. Moreover, the outer covering 10 isalso preferably not attached to the liner 100 along princess seams 102and 104 in the outer covering and princess seams 102′ and 104′ in theliner, the function of which will be described more fully infra.

For ease of reference, it may be helpful to refer to liner 100 as beingdivided up into multiple “panels,” although use of such terminology isnot meant to imply that a continuous piece of fabric could not extendacross multiple panels. Thus, one could describe liner 100 as comprisingtwo front panels 112 and 114 of compression fabric, each of whichextends from a side seam 32 or 34 to a front seam 62 or 64, and two backpanels 116 and 118 of the compression fabric, each of which extends froma side seam 32 or 34 to a back seam 36 or 38. Alternately, one couldrefer to the entire front region (from side seam 32 to side seam 34,passing through zipper 40) and the entire back region (from side seam 34to side seam 32, passing through fasteners 50) as separate front andback “panels,” respectively. In the present description of theinvention, however, only the former nomenclature will be used. Whereappropriate, though, either or both nomenclatures may be applicable tothe claims.

Front panels 112 and 114 preferably are attached to the outer covering10 at side seams 32 and 34, axilla seams 92 and 94, shoulder seams 52and 54, top seams 42 and 44, and center seams 62 and 64. Preferably,each front panel 112 and 114 is comprised of two or more layers ofcompression fabric, although it would be possible to use a single layerof fabric if such fabric provided the proper amount of compression andstretch. Each front panel 112 and 114 may also contain a region 119between the layers of fabric (or a separate pocket) that is accessiblefrom an area near side seams 32 or 34 for receiving a breast prosthesis(not shown), such as is often used by users who have had some or most oftheir breast tissue removed during breast cancer surgery. In thisregard, an opening 120 in communication with region 119 may be providedin front panels 112 and 114, typically adjacent the side seams 32 and34, but also positionable elsewhere on the front panels.

Front panels 112 and 114 preferably are moveable relative to, andtypically not attached to, the outer covering 10 along lower edges 122and 124. Moreover, the portions of the front panels 112 and 114 near thelower edges 122 and 124 preferably are formed into two front “shelves”(or integral “shelf bras”) 132 and 134 for providing upward compressivesupport to the breast tissue, as will be described in detail infra. Thefront shelves 132 and 134, however, preferably do not extend past theside seams 32 and 34 so as to avoid producing an adverse “cutting”effect in the inferior axillae region.

Back panels 116 and 118 generally are attached to the outer covering 10along each side of the panel, such as at side seams 32 and 34, axillaseams 92 and 94, top seams 43 and 45, back seams 36 and 38, and lowerseams 72 and 74. Like the front panels 112 and 114, the back panels 116and 118 are also preferably made from a fabric having the breathability,softness and stretchability attributes discussed above relative tocompression fabric 100. However, as explained infra, it is generallydesirable that the back panels 116 and 118 provide less compressiveforce to the back of the user's torso than the front panels 112 and 114provide to the front. This can be achieved by providing only one layerof compression fabric in the portion of liner 100 making up the backpanels 116 and 118, although the use of additional layers falls withinthe scope of the disclosed invention. Alternatively, lesser amounts ofcompression may be achieved with back panels 116 and 118 by constructingthe panels with different materials and/or designs (e.g., stitching)than that used for panels 112 and 114 so as to achieve the lesseramounts of compression.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the proper positioning of the disclosedcompression garment and its function in providing compressive forces toa human female torso will now be described.

As may be seen in FIGS. 3-5, the garment 1 is designed to be worn by auser in much the same manner as a typical brassiere. The garment 1,however, preferably is designed and fitted so that the top edge of eachaxilla gusset 82 and 84 extends about 5 cm (2 inches) above a standardbra silhouette, and thus falls between approximately 3.5-5 cm (about1.5-2.0 inches) below the corresponding one of the user's axilla. Thisdistance, noted in FIG. 3 as distance D, is measured between the topedge of an axilla gusset 82, 84 and the portion of the axilla defined byan imaginary straight edge that just touches front and back portions ofthe axilla when the arm is positioned on the hip of a user, as shown inFIG. 3. In other words, the upper-most extent of distance D does notextend up into the base or inner-most part of the axilla, but ratherextends to just that portion touched by the previously mentionedstraight edge. Similarly, it is preferable that the lower edge 76 of thegarment 1 extends to about the inferior rib cage on the side of theuser's trunk, and to approximately 1-8 cm (0.5-3 inches) above theuser's naval in the front (a height noted in FIG. 3 as H), an areareferred to as the “abdominal watershed.” Typically, but notnecessarily, height H will range from 1.5-5 cm (0.6-2 inches). The backof the garment 1, shown in FIG. 5, and hence closure 50, preferablyextends from the user's waist region (at the lower edge 76), at aboutthe same height as the portion of the edge 76 adjacent closure 40, to apoint that falls within an area defined by the user's fifth and eighththoracic vertebrae (T5-T8) (at the top edges 43 and 45). In other words,the lower edge 76 is substantially coextensive with an imaginaryhorizontal plane intersecting the user and located a distance H (FIG. 3)above the user's navel.

Like all of the preferred features of the disclosed embodiment, thepreferred positioning described above is not essential to the presentinvention, but rather is designed to avoid potentially sensitivepost-surgical sites and to avoid impeding the natural flow of lymphaticfluid in the body. In addition, this preferred positioning helps ensurethat the compressive support provided by the garment is directed tothose areas where the support will be most effective. The non-rollingrib band 70 generally helps anchor garment 1 in this preferredpositioning.

The compressive forces provided to the torso or the user by the garment1 generally are provided by the layer(s) of compressive fabric in liner100. The outer covering 10, however, may also contribute to thecompressive effect, as well as provide stability to the garment andsupport for the inner layer(s). By design, the amount of compressivesupport generally provided by any particular region of the garment 1varies due to different fabric used in those areas, as well as the typeand disposition of the stitching used to secure the fabrics together.The amount of compression applied by garment 1 will also vary as afunction of the fit point selected by the designer of the garment. Thevarious fabric attributes listed above in Tables 1 and 3 were selectedfor a fit point at a stretch of about 20%. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that at a different fit point, somewhat different attributesfor the compression fabric used in garment 1 may be desirable.

The least amount of compressive support, which shall be designated a“first level” of support, is provided by the axilla gussets 82 and 84,which, as noted above, are preferably fabricated from a single layerthat provides little compression. The term “level,” as used in thedescription of the invention and in the claims, refers to a range ofsupport, and not a single numerically quantified amount of support. Thelevel of support may vary, from location to location, within the portionof garment 1 under consideration (e.g., within axilla gussets 82 and84), and also is intended to encompass a range of average support acrossthe entire portion. As may be seen in FIG. 6, which is a diagram showinga typical person's superficial lymphatic drainage pathways, the axillae200 serve as critical collection and drainage points for the lymphaticsystem. Thus, while some level of compression in this area is desirable,care should be taken so as to not cut into and restrict lymphaticdrainage through this region.

The next level of compressive support, or the “second level” of support,generally is provided by the single layer of compressive fabric 100 inthe back panels 116 and 118, which, as noted above, act in combinationwith the outer covering 10. As one skilled in the art will readilyappreciate, of course, the amount of compressive support provided by theback panels 116 and 118 is not uniform over each panel, but rather tendsto increase the closer one gets to a rigid seam, such as side seams 32and 34 and back seams 36 and 38. Indeed, as discussed below, the area onboth sides of the side seams 32 and 34 may more properly be referred toas providing a “third level” of support. Nonetheless, the average amountof compression provided over the back regions from an area beginningapproximately half way across each back panel 116 and 118 and extendingacross the rear closure 50 is generally greater than the amount ofcompression provided in the axillae regions and is less than the averageamount of compression provided in the front and side regions (asdiscussed below), thus resulting in the “second level” designation.Having less compressive force in this region in comparison to the amountof compression provided in the front or sides is generally desirablebecause it permits the ribs to expand, allowing ease of breathing,rather than constantly being in a state of significant compression.

The next highest level of compressive support, or the “third level” ofsupport, generally is provided over the user's side region, beginning atan area that for the right side (shown in FIG. 4) begins atapproximately one-third of the distance between seam 32 and seam 62, asmeasured horizontally moving from seam 32 toward seam 62, and continuesover the side seam 32 to an area approximately half way between the sideseam 32 and the back seam 36. This area is identified by bracket 140 inFIG. 2. It is desirable to provide a greater amount of compressionsupport here than in the regions of first or second level of supportbecause lymphatic fluid tends to back up in the inferior axillae region.Thus, in a user with a compromised or impaired lymphatic drainagesystem, the amount of pressure in the drainage system is greater in thisregion, therefore necessitating a greater degree of compression so as tomaintain the size of the affected area, reduce local blood volume, andimprove system efficiency by creating a firm abutment against whichmuscles can work. Such “third level” of support is also provided in theportion of the garment 1 covering the user's left side, as indicated bybracket 142 in FIG. 2.

The greatest level of compressive support, or the “fourth level” ofsupport, generally is provided over the user's breast region. Thisregion, identified by bracket 144 in FIG. 2, extends from the outsideedge of the user's right breast (about 2.5-3.5 cm or 1-1.5 inchesoutwardly of princess seam 102′), across the closure 40, and terminatingnear the outside edge of the user's left breast (about 2.5-3.5 cm or 1inch to 1.5 inches outwardly of the princess seam 104′). The exact areawhere the “fourth level” of support transitions to the “third level”will depend on the geometry of the user, and, more particularly, on theuser's breast size. It is preferable that compression in the breastregion be the greatest because this region typically is most compromisedduring cancer treatments, thereby increasing the likelihood and severityof localized swelling.

The princess seams 102 and 104 and the front shelves 132 and 134 are twoof the elements of the disclosed design that help enable the frontpanels 116 and 118 of the garment to provide, in combination with theouter covering 10, the fourth level of support to the user's breastregion, although other combinations of elements may be used.

More specifically, the princess seams 102 and 104 in outer covering 10,and the princess seams 102′ and 104′ in liner 100, create convexcontours in the front panels 116 and 118 that enable the panels toencapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time thatthe combination of the compression fabric and the outer covering 10compresses the breast tissue in toward the torso on all sides. Bycomparison, a standard bra “cup” only encapsulates breast tissue; itdoes not necessarily provide for or facilitate compression.

Meanwhile, the two front shelves 132 and 134 of the front panels 116 and118 act as “floating bras” and likewise help encapsulate and compressthe user's breast tissue. In particular, the front shelves 132 and 134provide upward support to the breast tissue as well as verticalcompression that, if separately measured, is believed to beapproximately a “second level” of support. Without the use of theshelves 132 and 134 (or an acceptable alternative), the user's breastswould hang down somewhat and thus would be out of alignment whencompressed by front panels 116 and 118. With the shelves 132 and 134,however, the breast tissue is held in a proper neutral position so thatinward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.While the use of shelves 132 and 134 is generally desirable, in somecases is may be desirable to omit the shelves.

Through the use of the present invention, a user can obtain the properamount of compression that is required for each area of the torso.Moreover, the multi-position closure 50 on the back enables the user toincrease or decrease the total amount of compression provided by thegarment 1 (such as when the size of the user's breasts increases ordecreases), while still maintaining the proper proportionality among thevarious regions. With a typical brassiere, a user who sought to increasethe amount of compression in one region, such as by making the garmenttighter in back, risked applying too much compression in a moresensitive region and thereby creating adverse consequences, such as theunwanted restriction of fluid flow.

The present invention seeks to avoid these shortcomings in the priorart, and provides an adjustable compression garment that can bemass-produced rather than having to be custom fit. In the presentapplication, however, only a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention has been disclosed and discussed, and it should be understoodthat the present invention is not limited to this (or any other)particular embodiment. On the contrary, the present invention isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents thatmay be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A garment for providing compressive forces to a torso, the garmentcomprising: a. an outer covering of compression fabric, including frontand back portions; b. one or more shoulder straps for connecting saidfront portion of said outer covering to said back portion of said outercovering; c. a front panel for providing compressive support to at leasta portion of the front of the torso, said front panel including at leastone layer of compression fabric and having an upper edge, a first sideedge, a second side edge, and a lower edge, and wherein said front panelis attached to said outer covering at least at said first and secondside edges, and wherein said front panel is moveable relative to saidfront portion of said outer covering along a portion of said lower edge;d. a front shelf for providing upward compressive support to breasttissue, said front shelf being positioned near said lower edge of saidfront panel; e. a back panel for providing compressive support to atleast a portion of the back of the torso, said back panel including atleast one layer of compression fabric and having a first side edge and asecond side edge, and wherein said back panel is attached to said outercovering at said first and second side edges; and f. a pair of axillagussets for retaining tissue near a wearer's axillae, each of said pairof axilla gussets having a top edge and wherein the distance betweensaid top edge and the wearer's axilla when said garment is properlypositioned on the wearer is approximately 3.5-5 cm.
 2. A garment ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one layer of compression fabric in saidfront panel includes at least two layers of compression fabric.
 3. Agarment of claim 1, wherein said outer covering includes a first sideseam and a second side seam, further wherein said first side edge ofsaid front panel is attached to said first side seam and said secondside edge of said front panel is attached to said second side seam.
 4. Agarment of claim 1, wherein said at least one layer of compressionfabric for said front panel has a modulus in the length dimensionranging from 1.0-2.75 pounds at 30% elongation and 2.25-5.75 pounds at60% elongation, a modulus in the width dimension ranging from 0.8-2.2pounds at 40% elongation, a stretch in the length dimension ranging from135-200% and a stretch in the width dimension ranging from 115-150%. 5.A garment of claim 1, wherein said compression fabric for said outercovering has a modulus in the length dimension ranging from 0.5-1.5pounds at 40% elongation and 1.0-2.0 pounds at 60% elongation, a modulusin the width dimension ranging from 0.2-1.0 pounds at 40% elongation and0.5-1.6 pounds at 60% elongation, a stretch in the length dimensionranging from 160-220% and a stretch in the width dimension ranging from120-170%.
 6. A garment of claim 1, further including at least twoprincess seams in said outer covering.
 7. A garment of claim 2, whereinsaid at least two layers of compression fabric included in said frontpanel are attached to one another.
 8. A garment of claim 1, wherein saidgarment is designed to be worn by a human female and wherein saidgarment is sized so that the distance H between said lower edge of saidfront panel and the wearer's navel when said garment is properlypositioned on the wearer is approximately 1-8 cm.
 9. A garment of claim8, wherein said distance H ranges from 1.5-5 cm.
 10. A garment forproviding a range of compressive forces to a human female torso, thegarment comprising: a. an outer covering of compression fabric, saidouter covering including first and second side seams, as well as firstand second princess seams; b. a front panel of compression fabric, saidfront panel being attached to said outer covering at said first andsecond side seams; c. a back panel of compression fabric, said backpanel being attached to said outer covering at said first and secondside seams; d. a first axilla gusset attached to said outer coveringnear said first side seam; e. a second axilla gusset attached to saidouter covering near said second side seam; f. wherein each of said firstand second axilla gussets provides a first level of compressive supportto tissue near a wearer's axilla; g. wherein the combination of saidouter covering and said back panel provides a second level of support toat least a portion of the back of the torso, said second level ofsupport being greater than said first level of support; h. wherein thecombination of said outer covering, said front panel, and said backpanel provides a third level of support to at least a portion of theside of the torso, said third level of support being greater than saidsecond level of support; and i. wherein the combination of said outercovering and said front panel provides a fourth level of support to atleast a portion of the front of the torso, said fourth level of supportbeing greater than said third level of support.